Josh Hamilton has been linked mainly to small-market franchises early in the free-agency period. However, there is growing speculation that the Boston Red Sox will make a run at him, according to CBSSports.com.

"Boston wants to do something big and it wouldn't shock me if they became players for Josh Hamilton,'' a major league general manager told the website.

Josh Hamilton free agency: Will slugger end up with Red Sox? (AP Photo)

After shedding the large contracts of first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, left fielder Carl Crawford and righthander Josh Beckett this past summer, the Red Sox have payroll flexibility. However, they might be wary of burdening themselves with another long-term, high-priced contract after recently shedding three such contracts. And Hamilton is expected to seek a six- or seven-year deal worth just under $200 million.

That said, Boston has two outfield holes to fill.

The risks with Hamilton are well documented. He is 31, has a long history with injuries and has battled addiction problems for years. However, he has been among the majors’ most productive players when healthy the past five seasons. The 2010 AL MVP hit .285 with 43 homers, 128 RBIs, a .354 on-base percentage and a .577 slugging percentage this past season with the Texas Rangers.